Caney Lake
SPECIAL SPACES Get Outside. Explore Nature.
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un, fitness, and wild animals are the order of things in Northwest Louisiana—which is also known as the “Sportsman’s Paradise.” Kayak or canoe on the multitude of rivers, swamps and bayous, spot countless species of wildlife, and hike in the area’s lush landscapes—all on the same day, if you’re so inclined. Simply go and get outside. Explore everything Northwest Louisiana has to offer.
Getting out in nature is not just about spending time outside. Experts say that exploring the outdoors advances your intellectual, emotional, social, and physical health. So, when you take the time to participate in outdoor exploration, there is the added benefit of strengthening your overall wellbeing. Even if you’re not big on outdoor play, there are a multitude of fun and easy ways to get excited about nature—and all right here in Northwest Louisiana. Who knows? You might
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APRIL 2022
| SBMAG.NET
BY ADAM BAILEY
even find that when you engage in these activities, you’ll have a newfound appreciation of the great outdoors, too! Paddleboarding, Canoeing and Kayaking Water is abundant throughout Northwest Louisiana. What better way to experience the area’s unique aquatic ecosystems than via paddleboard, canoe, or kayak? Scenic, slow-moving waterways crisscross the region, and the abundance of creeks, bayous and small rivers lend themselves to excellent opportunities for any paddling enthusiasts. Chances are you’ll see elegant wildlife, pass under groves of mysterious tree canopies, or even brush past the occasional alligator no matter your vessel of choice. Unlike the fast rushing “white waters” found in other states, here you’ll find peaceful exploration in the many bayous, small rivers, creeks, and marshes that offer an assortment of paddling adventures around every bend.
At 33,000 acres, Caddo Lake is the largest natural lake in the south. Straddling the Louisiana-Texas line just 15 miles north of Shreveport, Caddo Lake offers a rare, if not singular, wetlands environment. And calling it a lake is a stretch— at 12 miles wide and 16 miles long, it looks more like a flooded cypress swamp than a natural lake. It’s home to over 200 species of birds, hundreds of different species of mammals, reptiles and fish, as well, and countless plants, and trees— most prominently the towering bald cypress, some as old
